PART G: APHC WELCOMES CHANGED REGULATIONS BUT ISSUES WARNING

APHC (Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors) has broadly welcomed changes to Part G of the Building Regulations but has warned that the industry must be more aware than ever of the importance of compliance with building regulations. The Association says the new regulations mean a significant improvement in consumers’ safety but jobs will become more complex and time-consuming in some cases, which may lead installers to cut corners in order to keep costs down.

Clive Dickin, Chief Executive of APHC, comments:

“Most of the changes to Part G are to improve health & safety - and in the light of recent tragic scalding cases, this is only to be welcomed. However, the new requirements will undoubtedly mean some contracts take a little longer. Installers will then be faced with the choice of absorbing the extra cost or passing it on to the customer. With customers looking to keep costs to a minimum, especially in the current economic climate, this will be a difficult situation.

“As with all plumbing and heating projects, there will always be someone prepared to undercut the conscientious installer, so it is vital that operatives, companies, the HSE and organisations like APHC do everything they can to raise consumer awareness of

the new requirements. After all, they are designed only to keep them and their loved ones safer. We urge all plumbing and heating companies to do the right thing and adhere to the new regulations and advise their prospective clients of these important changes.”

APHC also points out that with the range of new requirements covered by Part G, including bringing cold water systems under Building Regulations, plumbing & heating companies will need to upskill their workforce accordingly.

APHC is supplying all of its members with advice and guidance on dealing with the changes to Part G.

Published: 13 August 2009

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